I am confused

I had a partial hysterectomy in 2003 for endometreial hyperplasia and fibroids. Apparently the doc should have taken ovaries too because i have polycystic in both. He didn't. I have an exploratory laparotomy on wednesday because i have a node on my cuff and 3--yes--3 different kinds of tumors/cysts on my ovaries and he is saying i have endometriosis in my abdominal cavity as well as adhesions to my asending and desending colon and bladder. Has anyone else had breast bone to pelvic op, and how long was recovery? How long before they started radiation/chemo? I can't seem to find answers and doc is vague.

(((6667)))

Welcome to HysterSisters! I hope we can offer you some information and support!

It sounds like you have a lot going on! I am so sorry!

I had my hysterectomy for endometriosis so I know a bit about this condition! Did you have any known endometriosis when you had your hysterectomy or is it only being found now? It can cause cysts on your ovaries--have any of the tumors/cysts been called endometriomas? Is there any chance that the node on the cervix is from the endometriosis? Will your surgeon be able to remove all the endometriosis s/he sees during your upcoming surgery? If not, it can continue to cause issues down the road.

We do have several Endometriosis Resources you might want to read through and feel free to pop over to our Endometriosis Support and post any specific endometriosis questions you might have!

As far as polycystic ovaries, have you been diagnosed with PCOS? And are you aware that PCOS is a disorder of the entire endocrine system and not just an issue with the ovaries? In fact, some women with PCOS don't even have polycystic ovaries! Go figure! If you do have PCOS, you will want to be working with a knowledgeable physician as removing the ovaries will not cure this condition though the polycystic part will be fixed!

My last surgery was because of endometriosis and adhesions, both affecting my bowels. I had an endo specialist do the surgery as my own GYN did not have the ability to work with the bowel. What type of surgeon will you have? Will s/he be able to remove all of those adhesions on the colon and bladder? I had an adhesion barrier placed during that last surgery to help prevent new adhesions. Did your surgeon mention if this will be done for you? If not, you might ask if it would be helpful for you.

So far, all of my surgeries have been done via laparoscopy so I can't share with you how the recovery will go for your incision. I would guess it will require some careful maneuvering during recovery and is likely to be at least a bit painful. Hopefully, you will have family and friends to assist you during your recovery!

As far as radiation or chemotherapy, has your doctor indicated you will need one or the other? Does your doctor suspect that the node or tumors/cysts are a cancer concern? If so, I would highly recommend that you consult with a gynecological oncologist before you have any type of surgery or treatment. They are the ones with the most skill when it comes to successfully treating women with cancer concerns. Also, we have a Cancer Concerns forum where you can post any specific cancer issues. The women there are great about reaching out to others!

I am so sorry you are dealing with so many issues and I hope you have an excellent medical team to help you treat each of them! I wish you all the best and am sending extra cyber s your way!